Pelaez was a student at Wallkill High School. Counseling was made available for students and staff Wednesday and Thursday.

"It is with deep sadness and regret that I must inform the Wallkill Community of the death of a high school student, Christopher Pelaez, who tragically passed away yesterday," Wallkill Superintendent Kevin Castle said in a letter to the Wallkill community.

Christopher's sister started a GoFundMe so his family can give him a proper burial.

"With a heavy heart and with no words I ask you all to please help me give Christopher a proper burial, Urania Pelaez wrote on the GoFundMe. "My brother was the sweetest nicest person which he left so soon!"

Visitation for Pelaez will be held Thursday at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Newburgh from 7 to 10 p.m. Funeral services are scheduled from Friday at 11:30 a.m. at the Church of the Good Shephred with a burial to follow at Cedar Hill Cemetary in Newburgh. The family requests those attending services wear white.